Parents' Guide to

If I Can Dream

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Hulu's 24/7 reality program woos teens with interaction.

TV Hulu Reality TV 2010
If I Can Dream Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Ice Cat
Ice Cat Adult
July 14, 2011
age 18+

Reminds me of the movie: Live In Public.

What amazed me the most was the complete lack of regard for other members who were invited to share this opportunity by some of the participants. Not doing dishes or keeping the house somewhat tidy, waking others with loud music when they were supposed to get sleep in order to do well in their careers. Complete insulation from the real world. I think it was abusive for the producers to insist that there be cameras in the bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. These are young people in their formative years and were basically emotionally blackmailed in order to get ratings for a show. I watched all episodes and the ending of the show was rather abrupt. There should have been more focus upon the interviews for roles, etc., and less focus upon parties, in-fighting, peeing in shampoo bottles, etc. Too much of an invasion of these people's lives ... and for what? Did they learn how to be sensitive to other people, act with class as role models. There should have been supervision by the producer from day one ... things got way out of hand early on.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
dreamreview
dreamreview Parent of 17-year-old
April 28, 2010
age 17+

Young people willing to sell themselves out for fame and fortune

I have been watching this show and checking in on the house for a couple of weeks. It is disappointing that these kids are willing to sell their souls for fame and fortune. The language is certainly inappropriate for any age and there is nudity. Kara and Justin are the only ones in the house who aren't willing to sell out.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

IF I CAN DREAM is an online reality series featuring five twentysomethings participating in a project designed to give them the chance to make their Hollywood dreams come true. The series, which was created by American Idol mastermind Simon Fuller, follows the aspiring actors, models, and singers as they go on a whirlwind promotional tour around the world before settling into a Hollywood house where they live together. Once there, cameras follow as they network among industry players, go out on auditions, and pose for modeling shoots and promotional opportunities. Their time in front of the camera continues at home, where over 52 cameras record every move. In addition to the 30-minute highlights that appear weekly on Hulu.com, non-stop footage from the participants' home life is streamed on the show's website so that audiences around the world can watch the drama that unfolds.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (5 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The show, which is Hulu.com's first original program, combines some of the positive energy that comes with dreaming big with some of the expected drama of any reality series. While the cast members do not have to participate in house challenges or fear getting voted out of the house, they do have to deal with egos, insecurities, and other personality issues.

The project certainly opens doors for these folks, but the show's producers (some of whom appear periodically on camera) clearly note that they are not guaranteed success. But the interactive nature of the show, including the use webchats, and social media outlets like Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook, to keep connected with audiences will certainly help to make them temporary reality stars, whether or not they make it in Hollywood.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it takes to break into the entertainment industry. What kind of challenges to people face? How many people who try to succeed in Hollywood actually make it? Given that the cast is being given some help, do you think this series offers a real view of what it takes to make a Hollywood dream come true? Should people ever give up their dream of making it big in Hollywood? Why or why not?

  • What do you think about the use of websites on-line social networking tools to promote a show and/or its cast members? Do you think using social networks like Facebook, MySpace, and/or Twitter will get people to like the show more? Do you think watching what people are doing in their homes from your computer should be viewed as entertainment? Parents: check out some of CSM's advice and tips for managing digital media in your home.

TV Details

  • Premiere date: March 2, 2010
  • Network: Hulu
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: NR
  • Last updated: February 25, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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